WORK to provide facelifts to two towns has been handed a boost.

Allerdale Council is expanding a scheme already used to improve parts of Wigton to Aspatria and Silloth.

The Facelift Scheme will help building owners carry out work to their properties - and is a move welcomed by community leaders in the town.

The scheme provides up to £900 for each property, with the owner who has applied match-funding this with 10 per cent of the total.

Money can go towards materials such as paint and any labour costs and the repair and replacement of damaged items such as drain pipes or guttering and external lighting.

Mark Jenkinson, deputy leader and executive member responsible for economic growth, said: “This is a great scheme which has worked really well in other towns and shows how a small investment can make a huge difference. I’d encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of this money which we are providing.”

Mark Orchard, Mayor of Silloth, welcomed the news and said: “This is a scheme which will be welcomed by both home and business owners of Silloth and one we fully support.

“Silloth’s main focus as far as visitors are concerned is obviously The Green and has had a lot of money invested, both from internal and external sources, so for this facelift scheme to be open to the residents and business owners is a great boost to everyone and will be a huge benefit to all.

“This scheme has been used in other areas of Allerdale and will help the proud Sillothians maintain the town’s attractions. We will ensure everyone has the relevant information and we are happy to advise as best we can, to ensure the scheme is put to great use by all who are eligible.”

Mayor of Silloth, Barry Chambers, has also urged eligible owners to apply for the grant.

He said: “Aspatria town council, and of course residents and businesses within the town centre boundary, greatly welcome this important facelift scheme in order to both uphold and enhance the image of the town.

“The town council is strongly committed to Cumbria in Bloom and improving the aesthetic appearance within our town centre and making business and properties more attractive.

“That will hopefully attract new business and residents to the town.”

People have been urged to contact the council before making an application.

For more information and to get an application form contact the council’s town centre manager, Toni Magean, at toni.magean@allerdale.gov.uk. Hard copies of forms are available in both the towns’ Local Links offices.

The deadline for applications to be made to the council is December 31.